Jessica Workman

Jessica Workman. My Mom. When there was a time that I was more crazy than I am now, like five years old, I started swimming. My mom would just sit by the side of the pool, reading or something. I never really cared. Anyway, when I was about eight, my mom decided it was time to help the swimming community. After all, I had been part of it for a couple years. She had to take a test on the rules of swimming to become an official, and she had to be an apprentice for awhile (you stand next to a higher ranking official and "observe") until one day when she was able to do it on her own.

Well, that's nothing.  Today she is starting heats, and Chief Judging.  Chief Judging is when someone disqualifies a swimmer, and they raise their arm.  She goes over and writes down the DQ.  Starting the race is more or less like this "Take your mark" *Awkward Silence* Then sometimes a kid falls in the pool.  If they are starting to fall in, she says, "Stand please."  Then there is the flash of light and a BEEP!!!

My Mom never did any volunteer work as a kid. but since she started getting involved with my swim team,  she really enjoys helping out the community.  She also thinks it's a great opportunity.  In fact, a few weeks ago, she was added to the VSA (Vermont Swimming Association) to help change and add rules to Summer Swimming.  Last year someone didn't cheat, but they entered four, 19 year olds, college swimmers to swim against 16 year olds.  So she is working on changing that kind of stuff.

To conclude, this is why my mom is my hero.  She volunteers for swimming in so many ways.  Even if she is sick or not in the best of moods, she does it. Try driving two hours just to officiate.  As long as she can help out the community, even if sick or achy, she still does work.